You know, after reading issues with North bars, people hating the new Flysurfer Speed 4, and issues with valves, I get a feeling kite manufacturers are going backwards. Almost everyone I've spoken to on the beach about their new 2014 kites are saying similar things about their kite after having sold their trusted wind machine for something one would think should be better, easier, and safer.
Do you think makers out there are simply cutting too many corners in their design? Could the Chinese factories are cutting back on quality control? Maybe the designers are doing it right, but the makers and distributors are simply out there having too much fun and not enough 'heads down and working'?
I'd swear kites made around 2010 thru to 2012 have been the best. I am referring to the Cabrinha Switchblade for example. The newer version has too many bells and whistles.
for sure. I like the idea bout the bells and whistles, but sometimes you just have to "keep it simple stupid". the best bar iv used is f-one, just because its so simple and easy to use.
if the quality is going down, why are the prices going up??
Select to expand quoteLoftywinds said..
Is quality is going down hill?
I have no idea what you're saying... I think good grammar is definitely on the down-fall.
p.s. To try and answer what I think you're saying; for one North has alway been **** (fact), and two people have always had issues with valves. I think companies that spend the time on quality control such as Ozone (and others) have as good quality as we have ever seen in this sport if not ever.
I can quite clearly remember the days of many kites failing to even fly properly fresh from the factory... hell it still happens now to some brands.
Select to expand quoteLoftywinds said..
Could the Chinese factories are cutting back on quality control?
What's that language you speak ? ^^^
Chinglish ?
lol.
Yeah, those goddamn lazy sweat-shops ....
Look, sailing is a high maintenance activity.
You need to fix stuff yourself and straight away.
Then you'll always be on the water with double happiness.
Stay posi dude.
Select to expand quoteLoftywinds said..
You know, after reading issues with North bars, people hating the new Flysurfer Speed 4, and issues with valves, I get a feeling kite manufacturers are going backwards. Almost everyone I've spoken to on the beach about their new 2014 kites are saying similar things about their kite after having sold their trusted wind machine for something one would think should be better, easier, and safer.
Do you think makers out there are simply cutting too many corners in their design? Could the Chinese factories are cutting back on quality control? Maybe the designers are doing it right, but the makers and distributors are simply out there having too much fun and not enough 'heads down and working'?
I'd swear kites made around 2010 thru to 2012 have been the best. I am referring to the Cabrinha Switchblade for example. The newer version has too many bells and whistles.
I understand and completely agree with what your saying, down hill is a decline, as manufacturing goes most kites arnt made in china, usually sri lanka Vietnam etc, I prefer the older style kites ,less depower, more balls compared to the more user friendly kites, just for example the 2010 / 11 rebel compared to last years, the older sb was great but they've listened and the 2014 is back with balls again, the bandit dos compared to the 4 and 5, the c4 and so on, the wave kite is relatively new and has seen improvements id say though, ive still got some wipika matrix and indy kites that refuse to die after a heap of abuse so id say yes quality as in longevity has gone down hill but improved in terms of flight and feel
Im very happy with my kites, better each year, but then again I don't ride North 
I always believe in the principle "Look after you gear and it will look after you"
Kitesurfing is an activity that is done in salt water, which in itself is a damaging substance and also puts sand into the mix.
If you regularly self launch, don't rinse your bar out in fresh water, pack your kite down wet and sandy, leave it in the boot of your car on a hot day you are going to have issues, and that's even without considering wear items like the trim line, bridles, pulleys and kitelines that need to be inspected and replaced on a regular basis.
You should try competitive sailing - pretty much every time we go out there is something that breaks or tears and needs to be repaired or replaced!
I have been stoked on my 2013/2014 gear. Not a problem, not one and we spend a lot of time on the water. I still think kites are improving both in build quality and performance. Just more people kiting, equals more kites, equals more crew talking, equals more potential complaints that are voiced.
Bad news travels. Maybe we need a post, 'who is totally stoked with their new 2014 gear'.....nah probably wouldn't stick, bad news sells papers.
Wasn't long ago were we continually working on kites and bars to stay on the water.
Now the play station mentality is here, plug and play....
I think kites are getting more specialised to specific tasks.... Therefore for a select group that particular kite will be awesome. But if you buy the wrong kite for you.... it could possibly be crap.
Happened to me. I purchased without demoing and hated the kite! was it bad? no. it was good for its intended purpose. but horribly bad for me.
I think as a result there are less do it all generalist kites out their now. Which is a shame.
PS whats wrong with speed 4? i need to know.
Still riding my 2009 Rev II's 
These kites are literally bomb proof!
Have been making my own bridle "P" line replacements for the past couple of seasons and regularly replace the pulleys and depower lines. I have only just recently had to have the FIRST small canopy tear repaired. I couldn't tell you how many hours I've had on my 9m but after 5 seasons it must have clocked close to 500 hours by now. Still using same bar and lines, always rinsed after a session.
I think consumers also drive this trend to less robust kites. Alot of people are in the habit of replacing kites annually. Kite manufacturers will be aware of this and will be building kites accordingly. Just look at any other mass produced commodity item that is produced these days from Cars to Fridges, they are built cheaper more efficiently and often designed so that when they break you just replace the item rather than repair them. I suspect Kites will go this way more and more.
I ride ozones, norths and a bunch of other kites I have acquired over the years. My 2010 North Vegas is still going strong, whats all this about them being s h i t ? Its my 9m and it gets the odd hammering, and the guy who owned it before me punished it too, still seems to have a fair bit of life left in it too!
Yes I have replaced the centre rope, but other than that it seems pretty solid.
I trust it more than some other popular brands, some which Ive seen torn in half after their maiden voyage (maiden slam).
Yes the obvious particular brand bashing is juvenile to say the least. I to have north and ozone kites. Highly regard both brands.
how does air head balance on that blue pole fixed to his back ?
